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This fun and healthy Valentine’s Day treat is perfect for kids. It combines fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, and crunchy granola into a festive snack that looks as good as it tastes. It also offers a hands-on activity, so children can enjoy making their own heart-shaped layered cups.
I first made this on a whim to keep my kids busy during Valentine’s Day, and it quickly became a favorite because they loved using the heart-shaped cutters and decorating their cups themselves.
Ingredients
- One cup strawberries: fresh and sweet for a vibrant Valentine’s Day flavor
- One cup yogurt: use plain or flavored for creaminess and probiotics, choose full-fat yogurt for extra richness
- One cup granola: adds a crunchy texture contrast, pick a variety with nuts or dried fruits for extra flavor
- One package heart-shaped cookie cutters: essential for creating fun fruit shapes that delight kids
- One cup mini marshmallows: for a little sweetness and playful texture
- Half cup chocolate chips: adds a touch of indulgence and pairs well with strawberries, use semi-sweet or dark chocolate for less sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Slicing the Strawberries:
- Wash the strawberries thoroughly and slice them thinly to make cutting shapes easy. This also ensures each bite-sized layer is just right for little hands.
- Cutting Shapes with Cookie Cutters:
- Use the heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut shapes out of the strawberry slices and if desired, sandwiches or other soft fruits. The shapes make the treat visually appealing and fun to eat.
- Layering the Yogurt and Granola:
- In clear cups, spoon a generous layer of yogurt followed by a layer of granola. This creates a pleasing contrast between creamy and crunchy textures.
- Adding Strawberries on Top:
- Place your heart-shaped strawberry slices on top of the granola layer to showcase the festive look and add natural sweetness.
- Decorating with Marshmallows and Chocolate Chips:
- Sprinkle mini marshmallows and chocolate chips over the top for a colorful and tasty finish. These toppings add playful texture and a bit of treat-like indulgence.
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Strawberries are my favorite ingredient here – their bright sweetness paired with the creamy yogurt reminds me of making Valentine’s treats with my own family when they were little. The heart shapes always bring a smile.
Storage Tips
These layered cups are best eaten fresh for the best texture in the granola and marshmallows. If you need to store leftovers, keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours with a tight lid. Add marshmallows and chocolate chips just before serving for the best experience.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap strawberries for any fruit your kids enjoy like bananas, blueberries, or kiwi for variety. Use plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free version without losing the creamy element. Try different toppings such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried cranberries instead of marshmallows and chocolate chips.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these treats as a festive breakfast, snack, or dessert. Pair with a warm cup of milk or a smoothie for a complete Valentine’s Day kid-friendly meal.
Cultural Context
Using heart-shaped cutters and red fruits like strawberries embraces the traditional Valentine’s theme of hearts and love. This recipe fits well into American Valentine’s Day customs where children often exchange treats and cards.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other fruits besides strawberries?
Absolutely, feel free to swap strawberries with any fruit your kids enjoy, such as blueberries, bananas, or apples.
- → What is the best way to layer the ingredients?
Start with a base of yogurt, add a layer of granola for crunch, then top with sliced fruit and decorative mini marshmallows and chocolate chips for texture and taste.
- → How can kids get involved in preparing these treats?
Kids can help wash and slice the fruit, press out shapes with cookie cutters, and sprinkle marshmallows and chocolate chips on top, making it a fun activity.
- → Is this suitable for special diets?
Yes, these treats are vegetarian-friendly and can be adapted for other diets by choosing appropriate yogurt and toppings.
- → Can I prepare these treats in advance?
For best freshness, assemble shortly before serving, but you can prepare ingredients ahead to speed up the process.